Q: What is 98G?
A: SuperCal 98G is the highest quality pelletized limestone in the US. SuperCal 98G is made from finely ground calcitic limestone 98% calcium carbonate (CaCO3), mixed with a binder to produce a pellet. Because the CaCO3 is so pure and so fine you can use 300-400 lbs./a in place of one ton of ag lime.  Back to Top

Q: How can 400 lbs. of 98G equate to one ton of ag lime? A: See table 1: The average particle size of SuperCal 98G is smaller than 100 mesh. Therefore, 20% of 199,000 is 39,800 sq. ft., which equates to 91.4% of an acre. The average particle size of ag lime is 20 mesh. Therefore, one ton of ag lime will cover 36,000 sq ft., which equates to 82.6% of an acre. On table 2, notice the fine particle size (SuperCal 98G) increased the pH in two weeks (100 mesh curve), whereas that ag lime curve (20-30 mesh) does not do much for 18 months. In addition, 98G raises soil pH higher, faster and fro longer then equivalent amounts of ag lime      Back to Top

Table 1 Source: National Stone Association

Table 2 Source: Miller, R.W. and D.T. Gardiner. Soils in our Environment 8th Ed. p 272

Q: What is limestone?
A: There are two types of limestone. (A) Calcitic, which is CaCO3 (B) Dolomitic, which is Ca Mg (CO3). The addition of magnesium makes the difference in the two types. Dolomitic lime is very insoluble and takes a much longer time to work. It should only be considered on extremely acid soils or soils low in magnesium. To insure soils do not have too much magnesium you can use SuperCal 98G and/or SuperCal SO4 to reduce the magnesium.  Back to Top

Q: Is calcium the same as lime?
A: Calcium is only part of the formula for calcium carbonate (limestone) and the carbonate is the active part in the reaction that neutralizes the acid (low pH) found in soils. Calcium is left behind in the pH reaction and will seek out and attach to sites on organic and clay particulate in the soil, being available for plant growth needs. Back to Top

Q: What is pH?
A: The measure of hydrogen in the soil is pH, which stands for potential Hydrogen. The pH test only measures hydrogen, it has nothing to do with calcium!  Back to Top 

Q: How does buffer pH figure in?
A: The buffer pH is an indication of just how much lime will affect the soil pH. A high buffer reading usually indicates not as much correction will be needed than it would be if the buffer pH is low.      Back to Top

Q: How does 98G work?
A: SuperCal 98G is finely ground, very pure limestone or calcium carbonate. The calcium carbonate will react in the soil to remove hydrogen from soil particles. The reaction creates water, carbon dioxide and calcium.   Back to Top

Q: Can I use more than 400# of 98G if my tests indicate I need more than one ton of ag lime?
A: We don't advise using more than 800# per broadcast application, due to infield variability. If you are using variable rate technology to apply SuperCal 98G rates as high as 1200# have been used with outstanding results.  Back to Top

Q: What type of cultivation should I use to incorporate 98G?
A: We recommend using the type of tillage that you are finding fits your operation. No variation in tillage is needed.   Back to Top

Q: Can 98G be applied in furrow?
A: Yes. SuperCal is flexible in application methods. We have seen the great response from in furrow or banding when the product is applied in a "T" band. Rates are figured using the normal banding formula.    Back to Top

Q: Can I use 98G in my deep banding or strip-till operation?
A: Yes. We have seen satisfactory response to SuperCal 98G being deep placed. This can be done with or without accompanying fertilizer (dry only).    Back to Top

Q: Should I use 98G before corn or soybeans?
A: Using SuperCal 98G before either crop will produce satisfactory results. Application is usually determined by which crop receives fertilizer application and then applying at the same time or in the same application with the fertilizer. It can be impregnated at that time also. In some extreme situations, we have recommended putting on 400# prior to corn and an additional 200# prior to soybeans to hasten the relief from very low pHs.   Back to Top

Q: Can I apply 98G myself?
A: SuperCal 98G can be applied by any normal fertilizer equipment; it is possible to apply this product by yourself. It is, however, recommended you follow your dealer's recommendations, and often they are better equipped to apply this material along with your fertilizer, especially if you are considering the use of variable rate technology.   Back to Top

Q: What should I expect to pay for 98G?
A: Pricing for the product is set by our dealers, but typically cost between $9 and $11 per cwt. As you get further away from the plant, the increased freight will increase the price.    Back to Top

Q: At what pH should I consider liming?
A: Low pH creates 2 issues. First, is reduction of yield. Second, your fertilizer inputs are limited by pH.

At a pH of 5.7 you will lose 17% of your anticipated yield, 20% on beans and 58% of an alfalfa crop.

The bar graph represents the % of nutrients available to the plant at various pH levels. We recommend that you develop a program to keep your pH in a range of 6.5 to 6.8 for most midwest row crops.  Back to Top

Q: Does it really work? You decide.
A: The following charts show a customer's test plot comparing 1999 and 2004. During this time, the customer applied SuperCal 98G twice. No potassium or phosphorous was added. Note the pH improvement and increase in phosphorous as well as maintaining the potassium level.

1999		2004
Click on an image above to see detail.

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